Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ricky Hatton’s Rise in Boxing
- Who Has Ricky Hatton Lost To?
- Who Made Ricky Hatton Retire?
- What Happened to Ricky Hatton After Retirement?
- Legacy of Ricky Hatton in Boxing
- Conclusion
Introduction
Ricky Hatton, famously known as “The Hitman”, is one of the most celebrated British boxers of the 21st century. Known for his aggressive style, thunderous body shots, and loyal Manchester fan base, Hatton’s career was filled with incredible highs and painful lows. From being a world champion to facing legendary opponents like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, his journey reflects both glory and heartbreak.
Ricky Hatton’s Rise in Boxing
- Born in Manchester, UK, in 1978.
- Professional debut in 1997, quickly building an undefeated record.
- Won the IBF Light-Welterweight title in 2005 against Kostya Tszyu, a career-defining fight.
- Unified titles and became one of Britain’s biggest boxing icons.
Hatton’s fan following was massive; thousands traveled to Las Vegas to watch him fight, turning arenas into “Little Manchester.”
Who Has Ricky Hatton Lost To?
Despite his success, Hatton faced defeats against two of the best fighters in boxing history:
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2007) – Hatton lost via TKO in round 10. Mayweather’s defensive brilliance neutralized Hatton’s pressure style.
- Manny Pacquiao (2009) – Hatton was knocked out in the 2nd round by one of the most devastating left hands in boxing history.
These losses came against pound-for-pound legends, which is why Hatton’s reputation among fans remains respected.
Who Made Ricky Hatton Retire?
Hatton’s defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009 was the turning point. After the brutal knockout, his mental and physical health suffered. Although he attempted a comeback in 2012 against Vyacheslav Senchenko, losing via 9th-round TKO, it confirmed that Hatton’s professional days were over.
Pacquiao’s knockout essentially forced Hatton’s retirement, ending his prime career.
What Happened to Ricky Hatton After Retirement?
After retirement, Hatton’s life was marked by struggles and reinvention:
- Mental Health Battles: He openly admitted battling depression, alcoholism, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Trainer & Promoter: Hatton turned to coaching, training fighters like Zhanat Zhakiyanov and helping young prospects.
- Exhibition Comeback: In 2022, Hatton returned for an exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera, showing his enduring love for boxing.
- Public Figure: Today, Hatton is respected for speaking openly about mental health, inspiring many athletes.
Legacy of Ricky Hatton in Boxing
- Two-weight world champion.
- Hero to British boxing fans.
- Fought two of the greatest of all time, Mayweather and Pacquiao.
- Left a legacy beyond the ring by raising awareness on mental health.
Hatton’s story is not just about victories and defeats—it’s about resilience, passion, and the human side of boxing.
Conclusion
Ricky Hatton’s boxing career reminds us that legends are not defined only by wins but also by their battles inside and outside the ring. His rise, struggles, and legacy continue to inspire fans worldwide.
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Why You Can Trust This Article
This article is written by Dawood Tech’s editorial team, referencing trusted sports archives, BBC Sport, and Boxing Scene for accuracy. Ricky Hatton’s career is widely documented, and our content reflects official fight records and interviews.
References:
People Also Ask
- How many times did Hatton lose?
Hatton lost 3 times in his professional career. - Who knocked out Hatton?
Manny Pacquiao knocked him out in 2009, while Mayweather stopped him in 2007. - What weight did Hatton fight at?
He fought mainly at light-welterweight (140 lbs) and welterweight (147 lbs). - Did Hatton fight Amir Khan?
No, though both were top British boxers of their time. - What year did Hatton retire?
He retired in 2009 after the Pacquiao loss, with a brief comeback in 2012. - What is Hatton doing now?
He is a trainer, promoter, and boxing personality. - Why was Hatton so popular?
His exciting style and strong Manchester fan base made him iconic. - Did Hatton win against Mayweather?
No, Mayweather defeated Hatton in 2007 via TKO. - Who trained Hatton?
His trainers included Billy Graham and later Floyd Mayweather Sr. - Did Hatton have mental health issues?
Yes, he has openly discussed depression and recovery after retirement.
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About the Author
This article was written by the Dawood Tech Editorial Team, passionate about covering trending news, technology, and influential personalities. Our mission is to provide accurate, engaging, and trustworthy insights into stories shaping today’s world.